Hockey India’s Saffron Jersey Row Deepens: President Dilip Tirkey Says ‘No Knowledge’ of Decision, Seeks Clarification
The controversy surrounding the Indian hockey teams' new saffron jerseys has led to differences within Hockey India (HI), with president Dilip Tirkey stating that the decision was taken without his knowledge, while secretary Bhola Nath Singh insisted that all officials were informed about the move.
The Indian men's and women's hockey teams, traditionally known for wearing blue jerseys, are set to wear saffron kits during the upcoming World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, which begins on August 15. The announcement, made on July 27, drew strong criticism from several former players, including Vasudevan Bhaskaran, Viren Rasquinha, Ajit Pal Singh, and Pargat Singh.
The former players questioned the reasoning behind the decision, arguing that it could affect the identity that the Indian hockey team has built over the years.
Until Thursday, Hockey India, including Tirkey, maintained that the change was made for technical reasons. According to the governing body, the similarity between the team's traditional blue jerseys and the blue playing surface affected visibility and clarity during matches.
Until Thursday, Hockey India, including Tirkey, maintained that the change was made for technical reasons. According to the governing body, the similarity between the team's traditional blue jerseys and the blue playing surface affected visibility and clarity during matches.
Internal Disagreement Over Jersey Change
However, Tirkey stated in an internal email to Hockey India officials that the decision had been taken without consulting the Executive Board or informing him beforehand.
"I request the concerned HI officials to provide me with a written clarification at the earliest, outlining the basis for the decision, the process followed and the circumstances under which the change was approved and implemented. This will enable me to respond appropriately and accurately," he wrote.
"I request the concerned HI officials to provide me with a written clarification at the earliest, outlining the basis for the decision, the process followed and the circumstances under which the change was approved and implemented. This will enable me to respond appropriately and accurately," he wrote.
Tirkey also said that the Odisha government, which is the primary sponsor of the Indian hockey team, had sought an explanation regarding the matter.
"I have also been asked by the Government of Odisha to provide clarification regarding the matter. I therefore request the concerned Hockey India officials to provide me with a written clarification at the earliest which will enable me to respond appropriately and accurately," he added. ALSO READ: UEFA votes to boycott World Cup over FIFA investor plan
Secretary Defends the Decision
Hockey India secretary Bhola Nath Singh, however, defended the move, stating that the change was implemented after discussions with players and coaching staff.
"The decision to change the colour was circulated in our internal group, so all officials should be aware about it. We never thought it would be such a big issue. There was no outside pressure on us from anywhere to make the colour change. It is being unnecessarily politicised," Singh told PTI.
When asked whether Hockey India would reconsider the decision, Singh said that the matter would require further discussion among the organisation's leadership.
"I alone can't take decisions, there is a president and other office-bearers, we need to sit and discuss. At the end of the day it was the demand of players and coaches and we obliged." he said.
"The players and coaches also need to be spoken to. We never thought it would be such a big issue," he added.
Concerns Over Transparency and Consultation
Explaining his public response to the controversy, Tirkey said he wanted to prevent the issue from affecting the team's preparations for the World Cup.
"The matter has since attracted considerable media attention and unfortunately political interpretation in certain quarters. With the WC (World Cup) approaching, I have publicly clarified that the change was purely a sporting decision so that the focus remains on the team and its preparations," he said.
Tirkey emphasised that his concern was not with the choice of saffron as a colour but with the manner in which the decision was made.
"My concern is not with the choice of saffron itself. A decision of this significance, involving the identity and representation of our national team should ideally have been discussed with the elected leadership and the EB board members before implementation," he wrote.
"This is not to attribute blame but to ensure transparency, accountability and adherence to our established decision-making processes going forward," he added.
According to sources, Hockey India officials sent an email to the Odisha government on July 30 following the controversy. Tirkey is also said to have written separately to Hockey India Director General Commander R.K. Srivastava seeking an explanation.
A member of the Executive Board also told PTI that he had not been informed about the decision beforehand and only learned about it after the new jersey was unveiled on social media.
